Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to raise this matter. Concerns have been raised with me about the length of time it takes to deliver court judgments. Many of those who go through the courts process find it stressful and costly. It appears that the timeframe for which they have to wait before the process is concluded is being extended. We should try to alleviate such delays. I have been informed that 71 cases in the High Court have been awaiting judgment for 12 months or less, as have 17 Supreme Court cases. I do not think it is acceptable that the public should have to wait so long for a judgment. The cost of going to court is often prohibitive. The stress and anxiety that many people endure is a cause of additional concern. The pressure that brings to bear on a personal level can manifest itself in all sorts of ways. Any effort we can make to ensure these judgments are delivered in a timely fashion would be most welcome. The European Convention on Human Rights provides that people are entitled to a fair trial within a reasonable timeframe. It specifies that the judgment must be made known within a reasonable timeframe. I am concerned that people's rights under the convention might be breached. What is being done to alleviate these delays? If efforts are being made to that end, how soon will their benefits be evident?

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